Is Indonesia losing the race?

Public diplomacy is a key pillar of a country’s foreign policy toolkit. In a world where non-state actors – foreign publics, media, NGOs, civil society organizations and multinational corporations — are increasingly important, soft power initiatives — outreach activities directed at foreign nations to enhance a country’s international reputation — are increasingly prominent in the foreign policy landscape.— Benjamin Davis

Australia, Indonesia Youths ‘Hell-Bent’ on Boosting Ties

The Conference of Australian and Indonesian Youth, or Causindy, an initiative of the Australia-Indonesia Youth Association, concluded in Jakarta onWednesday with a call for greater people-to-people ties to boost relations between the countries.— Jakarta Globe

2013

Interest in Indonesia

A youth conference takes on Australian ambivalence and ignorance about Indonesia.

Getting to know the neighbours

I recently joined a four-day Conference of Australian and Indonesian Youth (Causindy) in Canberra where 28 young future leaders of both countries discussed many bilateral issues. I was amazed at my Australian colleagues who speak Indonesian very well and know Indonesia deeply. Thus, many recommendations emerged from our warm discussions to improve the bilateral relationship, especially through people-to-people links.

Respecting the Language of Unity on Youth Pledge Day

In a recent four-day Conference of Australian and Indonesian Youth (Causindy) in Canberra, I was fascinated to find fellow delegates from Australia speaking Bahasa Indonesia — some of them eloquently.

Since the delegates were selected based on their keen interest in the Indonesia-Australia relationships and their understanding towards the cultures of both nations, it should not have been a huge surprise to witness the fact that the Australian delegates have acquired Bahasa Indonesia.

The ties that bind

That no one overarching issue dominated CAUSINDY might seem like an obvious statement; but it’s well worth reflecting upon.

In the history of Australia-Indonesia relations, one issue or event has usually been salient – be it Confrontation, The White Australia policy, East Timor, or terrorism (to name a few). Previous bilateral conferences would have discussed these issues with the underlying fear of rapidly deteriorating bilateral relations, perhaps even future conflict.

Experts say Australian business being left behind

Experts have addressed a conference of Australian and Indonesian youth in Canberra, warning that Australian business is being left behind and needs to catch up with the rest of the Asia Pacific region. Catherine McGrath speaks with Harsya Prasetyo from First State Investments in Indonesia, and Debnath Guharoy, Asia Pacific Regional Director with Roy Morgan Research.

Young People Key in Making Australia-Indonesia Ties Prosper

For the Australia-Indonesia relationship to prosper in the Asian Century, young people from both countries must play a role. Strong people-to-people links at the youth level are vital to the future of our bilateral relations.

Luckily, a small cadre of culturally aware, bilaterally engaged youth already exist, and their efforts are helping to maintain and strengthen this critical relationship. But more must be done.

These emerging leaders will ultimately shape the state of relations in the years ahead. Already, they bring a valuable – and different – perspective to the big issues.

Looking beyond ‘Beef, boats, and Bali’

The second thing that Ms Bishop should consider doing is to attend the inaugural Conference of Australia & Indonesia Youth in Canberra next month. Thirty youth leaders from both countries will attend this event that has the appropriate title, ‘Our turn to decide’. They are right, as these young people can provide our foreign minister with an honest and achievable vision for the future, and some good starting points.